Calif. city nabs trout poachers

LANCASTER, Calif., Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Two trout poachers have been ticketed for violating fishing laws in a Lancaster, Calif., city park, authorities said.

Wardens with the state Department of Fish and Game and L.A. County sheriff's deputies conducted a daylong stakeout Thursday at Apollo Park after receiving complaints of excessive fishing, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Two people were issued citations for fishing with more than two poles and smoking in a county park, authorities said.

Poachers are usually found on days when the park pond is restocked with trout, which occurs twice a month on Thursdays from November to April, officials said.

In warmer months, the trout are replaced with catfish, authorities said.

Parks bureau officials said surveillance would continue on a random basis to enforce fishing regulations.